Weighing only 5 to 7 grammes, the goldcrest is famous for being Europe's smallest bird. They are to be found all year round in Ireland, in winter puffing their feathers to keep warm. Due to their small size they can be quite difficult to see, but in winter they feed in lower bushes and hedgerows totally ignoring humans. This is the best time of year (winter) to observe them as it is possible to get within a few feet of them.